Chris Koney’s column: Curbing the increasing fire outbreaks

Yes, Accra has witnessed several significant fires over the years. In recent times, the most notable ones were the devastating blaze that destroyed over hundred (100) shops at the Kantamanto Market in January 2025 and the large fire that heavily damaged the Accra Tourist Information Centre in August 2025.

Historically, there have been other major fire disasters, including a large fire and flood event at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in 2015.

It has become evident that these fire outbreaks are because of electrical issues, ranging from inferior cables, bad wiring, unstable electricity and illegal connections. Other frequently cited causes of fire incidents are the presence of flammable materials, such as those used in some businesses within markets which can exacerbate fires, poor planning where buildings may lack proper safety measures and fire prevention plans.

In recent times, industry professionals have advocated for standards for the proper installation of electrical wiring which has become necessary due to safety implications. The risk of sparks, fires, electrocution and electric shock is greater if done incorrectly. In addition, electrical appliances are also at risk of being damaged and, in some cases, due to incorrect wiring, energy usage may increase, resulting in a substantially higher electrical bill.

Joseph Korley Martey is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Joemartco Electricals Ghana, a certified professional electrical service company headquartered in Accra with operations in all sixteen regional capitals. The company provides clean and reliable electrical services for both domestic and commercial properties. The hallmark of the company is its strong reputation and demonstrating a high level of skill and professionalism.

Mr. Martey, who believes in establishing and implementing robust electrical wiring standards, indicates that good electrical wiring is essential for a house or commercial property to prevent safety hazards like fires and electric shocks, ensures appliances are protected from damage and improves energy efficiency. Faulty wiring is a common cause of house fires while proper wiring minimises risks, reduces energy loss and helps lower electricity bills.

“Safety is paramount when it comes to electrical wiring installation. Ensuring that all wiring complies with local building codes and regulations is crucial. At Joemartco Electricals Ghana, we understand that choosing the appropriate wiring system will prevent fires and minimise risk and our electricians take our responsibilities seriously. Our focus is excellent work, high quality service and ensuring reliability”, he stated.

Joseph Korley Martey further enumerated the importance of good electrical wiring;

Safety

• Prevents fires:Faulty or outdated wiring can overheat, which is a leading cause of residential and commercial fires. Good wiring includes features like properly sized wires and circuit breakers to prevent overheating and fires.
• Protects against electric shock:Proper wiring, including correct grounding, is critical to prevent electric shock. A good grounding system safely directs excess electricity to the earth, protecting occupants.
• Protects appliances:Correct wiring ensures that your electrical system can handle the power demands of modern appliances, reducing the risk of damage from power surges or incorrect connections.

Efficiency

• Reduces energy loss:High-quality wiring is more efficient, meaning less energy is wasted as heat during transmission. This can lead to lower energy consumption and reduced electricity bills.
• Ensures proper function:Wiring that is correctly installed and sized for the home or commercial unit’s needs ensures that all devices receive the correct voltage to function as intended.

Compliance and functionality

• Meets building codes:Good wiring ensures your home or commercial unit is up to current safety and building codes. This is crucial for the safety of the home and can prevent problems during future sales or inspections.
• Provides flexibility:Modern wiring can be designed to handle the increased demands of technology, such as electric vehicle chargers, smart home devices and additional outlets where needed.

Mr. Martey also shared the long-term benefits of good wiring, which includes boosting the value of the property, avoiding costly repairs and ensuring code compliance. “A modern, safe electrical system is a major selling point for prospective buyers and can significantly increase a facility’s resale value, prevents the need for expensive and disruptive emergency repairs and fixes down the line”, he concluded.

>>>Chris is a thought leader in Marketing Communications, Stakeholder Relationship Management Professional and International Cooperation Specialist. Over the last fifteen (15) years, he has made tremendous impact within Africa’s corporate communications and creative arts sectors. He can be reached at [email protected] / 233 20 854 1480

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